Pre-Wash Acne Dissolving Cream Used in Clinics

Pre-wash acne dissolving products often used in dermatology clinics typically contain key ingredients that help exfoliate the skin and dissolve pore blockages, which are the cause of comedonal acne. A common and effective ingredient is Salicylic Acid.

Salicylic Acid is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate pores to help remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and debris that clog pores. This helps loosen and facilitate the removal of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), often perceived as "dissolving" acne.

The concentration of Salicylic Acid used in this type of product can vary, but based on related product information, concentrations around 0.5% to 2% are used. Applying it for 5 minutes before washing is a form of Short Contact Therapy, allowing the active ingredient to work for a brief period before being rinsed off, which helps minimize potential irritation.

In addition to Salicylic Acid, these products may contain other ingredients such as gentle cleansing agents, humectants, or soothing agents to help cleanse and care for the skin simultaneously.

Examples of products containing Salicylic Acid with similar properties include:

• Renewing SA Cleanser (contains 2% Salicylic Acid)
• Micro-Peeling Purifying Gel (contains 2% Salicylic Acid and 0.05% Capryloyl Salicylic Acid)

However, the exact formulation, ingredients, and concentrations may vary between clinics depending on the doctor's diagnosis and the specific product used.